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1 Fluid Statics

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1.1 Fluid Properties

Fluid

A fluid is a substance, which deforms when subjected to a force. A fluid can offer no permanent resistance to any force
causing change of shape. Fluid flow under their own weight and take the shape of any solid body with which they are
in contact. Fluids may be divided into liquids and gases. Liquids occupy definite volumes. Gases will expand to occupy
any containing vessel.

S.I Units in Fluids

The dimensional unit convention adopted in this course is the System International or S.I system. In this convention,
there are 9 basic dimensions. The three applicable to this unit are: mass, length and time. The corresponding units are
kilogrammes (mass), metres (length), and seconds (time). All other fluid units may be derived from these.

Density

The density of a fluid is its mass per unit volume and the SI unit is kg/m3. Fluid density is temperature dependent and
to a lesser extent it is pressure dependent. For example the density of water at sea-level and 4oC is 1000 kg/m3, whilst at
50oC it is 988 kg/m3.

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The relative density (or specific gravity) is the ratio of a fluid density to the density of a standard reference fluid maintained
at the same temperature and pressure:

ρ gas ρ gas
For gases: RDgas = =
ρ air 1205
. kg / m 3
ρ liquid ρ liquid
For liquids: RDliquid = =
ρ water 1000 kg / m 3
Viscosity

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. The viscosity of a liquid is related to the ease with which the molecules
can move with respect to one another. Thus the viscosity of a liquid depends on the:

• Strength of attractive forces between molecules, which depend on their composition, size, and shape.
• The kinetic energy of the molecules, which depend on the temperature.

Viscosity is not a strong function of pressure; hence the effects of pressure on viscosity can be neglected. However, viscosity
depends greatly on temperature. For liquids, the viscosity decreases with temperature, whereas for gases, the viscosity
increases with temperature. For example, crude oil is often heated to a higher temperature to reduce the viscosity for
transport.

Consider the situation below, where the top plate is moved by a force F moving at a constant rate of V (m/s).

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The shear stress τ is given by:

τ = F/A

The rate of deformation dv (or the magnitude of the velocity component) will increase with distance above the fixed
plate. Hence:

τ = constant x (dv / dy)

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where the constant of proportionality is known as the Dynamic viscosity (µ) of the particular fluid separating the two plates.

τ = µ x ( V / y)

Where V is the velocity of the moving plate, and y is the distance separating the two plates. The units of dynamic viscosity
are kg/ms or Pa s. A non-SI unit in common usage is the poise where 1 poise = 10-1 kg/ms

Kinematic viscosity (ν) is defined as the ratio of dynamic viscosity to density.

i.e. ν = µ / ρ (1.1)

The units of kinematic viscosity are m2/s.

Another non-SI unit commonly encountered is the “stoke” where 1 stoke = 10-4 m2/s.

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Dynamic Viscosity Kinematic Viscosity

Typical liquid
Centipoise* (cp) Centistokes (cSt)

Water 1 1

Vegetable oil 34.6 43.2

SAE 10 oil 88 110

SAE 30 oil 352 440

Glycerine 880 1100

SAE 50 oil 1561 1735

SAE 70 oil 17,640 19,600

Table 1.1 Viscosity of selected fluids at standard temperature and pressure

Note: 1 cp = 10-3kg/ms and 1cSt = 10-6 m2/s

Figure 1.1 Variation of the Viscosity of some common fluids with temperature

Worked Example 1.1

The temperature dependence of liquid viscosity is the phenomenon by which liquid viscosity tends to decrease as its
temperature increases. Viscosity of water can be predicted with accuracy to within 2.5% from 0 °C to 370 °C by the
following expression:

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μ (kg/ms)= 2.414*10^-5 * 10^(247.8 K/(Temp - 140 K))

Calculate the dynamic viscosity and kinematic viscosity of water at 20 oC respectively. You may assume that water is
incompressible, and its density is 1000 kg/m3.

Compare the result with that you find from the viscosity chart and comment on the difference.

Solution

a) Using the expression given:

μ (kg/ms) = 2.414*10 -5 * 10(247.8 K/(Temp - 140 K))

= 2.414x10-5x10(247.8/(20+273-140)

= 1.005x10-3 kg/ms

Kinematic viscosity = dynamic viscosity / density

= 1.005x10-3/1000 = 1.005x10-6 m2/s

b) From the kinematic viscosity chart, for water at 20 is 1.0x10-6 m2/s.

The difference is small, and observation errors may be part of it.

Worked Example 1.2

A shaft 100 mm diameter (D) runs in a bearing 200 mm long (L). The two surfaces are separated by an oil film 2.5 mm
thick (c). Take the oil viscosity (µ) as 0.25 kg/ms. if the shaft rotates at a speed of (N) revolutions per minute.

a) Show that the torque exerted on the bearing is given as:

P[S  [1[/
7RUTXH [' 
 [F

b) Calculate the torque necessary to rotate the shaft at 600 rpm.

Solution:

a) The viscous shear stress is the ratio of viscous force divided by area of contact

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P [S['[1
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b) the torque at the given condition is calculated using the above equation:

P[S  [1[/ [S  [  [ 

7RUTXH ['  [   1P
 [F  [ 

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Fluid Pressure

Fluid pressure is the force exerted by the fluid per unit area. Fluid pressure is transmitted with equal intensity in all
directions and acts normal to any plane. In the same horizontal plane the pressure intensities in a liquid are equal. In the
SI system the units of fluid pressure are Newtons/m2 or Pascals, where 1 N/m2 = 1 Pa.

F
i.e. P= (1.2)
A
Many other pressure units are commonly encountered and their conversions are detailed below:-

1 bar =105 N/m2

1 atmosphere = 101325 N/m2
1 psi (1bf/in2 - not SI unit) = 6895 N/m2
1 Torr = 133.3 N/m2

Terms commonly used in static pressure analysis include:

Pressure Head. The pressure intensity at the base of a column of homogenous fluid of a given height in metres.

Vacuum. A perfect vacuum is a completely empty space in which, therefore the pressure is zero.

Atmospheric Pressure. The pressure at the surface of the earth due to the head of air above the surface. At sea level the
atmospheric pressure is about 101.325 kN/m2 (i.e. one atmosphere = 101.325 kN/m2 is used as units of pressure).

Gauge Pressure. The pressure measured above or below atmospheric pressure.

Absolute Pressure. The pressure measured above absolute zero or vacuum.

Absolute Pressure = Gauge Pressure + Atmospheric Pressure  (1.3)

Vapour Pressure

When evaporation of a liquid having a free surface takes place within an enclosed space, the partial pressure created by
the vapour molecules is called the vapour pressure. Vapour pressure increases with temperature.

Compressibility

A parameter describing the relationship between pressure and change in volume for a fluid.

A compressible fluid is one which changes its volume appreciably under the application of pressure. Therefore, liquids are
virtually incompressible whereas gases are easily compressed.
The compressibility of a fluid is expressed by the bulk modulus of elasticity (E), which is the ratio of the change in unit
pressure to the corresponding volume change per unit volume.

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1.2 Pascal’s Law

Pascal’s law states that the pressure intensity at a point in a fluid at rest is the same in all directions. Consider a small
prism of fluid of unit thickness in the z-direction contained in the bulk of the fluid as shown below. Since the cross-section
of the prism is equilateral triangle, P3 is at an angle of 45o with the x-axis. If the pressure intensities normal to the three
surfaces are P1, P2, P3 as shown then since:-

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Force = Pressure x Area

Force on face AB = P1 x (AB x 1)

BC = P2 x (BC x 1)
AC = P3 x (AC x 1)

Resolving forces vertically:

P1 x AB = P3 x AC cos θ
But AC cos θ = AB Therefore P1 = P3

Resolving forces horizontally:

P2 x BC = P3 x AC sin
But AC sin θ = BC Therefore P2 = P3

Hence P1 = P2 = P3(1.4)

In words: the pressure at any point is equal in all directions.

1.3 Fluid-Static Law

The fluid-static law states that the pressure in a fluid increases with increasing depth. In the case of water this is termed
the hydrostatic law.

Consider a vertical column, height h (m), of fluid of constant cross-sectional area A (m2) totally surrounded by the same

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fluid of density ρ (kg/m3)

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For vertical equilibrium of forces:

Force on base = Weight of Column of Fluid

Weight of column = mass x acceleration due to gravity W = m.g

the mass of the fluid column = its density x volume,

the volume of the column = Area (A) of the base x height of the column (h);

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the weight of the column = ρ x A x h x g

Force = Pressure x Area = P x A

Hence: P x A = ρ x A x h x g

Divide both sides by the area A, P = ρ g h (1.5)

Worked Example 1.3

A dead-weight tester is a device commonly used for calibrating pressure gauges. Weights loaded onto the piston carrier
generate a known pressure in the piston cylinder, which in turn is applied to the gauge. The tester shown below generates
a pressure of 35 MPa when loaded with a 100 kg weight.

Determine:

a) The diameter of the piston cylinder (mm)

b) The load (kg) necessary to produce a pressure of 150kPa

Solution:

a) P = F/A

The Force F = mass x acceleration = 100 x 9.81 = 981 N

Hence A = F / P = 981 /35 x 106 = 2.8 x 10-5 m2

The area of cross-section of the piston is circular, hence the diameter is found as follows:

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b) F = P x A =150 x 103 x 2.8 x 10-5 = 42 N

But F = mg Therefore m = 42/9.81 = 4.28 kg.

Worked Example 1.4

a) If the air pressure at sea level is 101.325 kPa and the density of air is 1.2 kg/m3, calculate the thickness of the
atmosphere (m) above the earth.
b) What gauge pressure is experienced by a diver at a depth of 10m in seawater of relative density 1.025?

Assume g = 9.81 m/s2.

Solution:

a) Given: P = 101.325 kPa = 101325 Pa

ρair = 1.2 kg/m3
Then using P = ρair g h

The depth of the atmospheric air layer is calculated:

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K  P
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b) since the relative density is RD = 1.025

Therefore
ρseawater = 1.025 x 1000 = 1025 kg/m3
Then P = ρseawater g h
= 1025 x 9.81 x 10
= 100.552 kPa

1.4 Pressure Measurement

In general, sensors used to measure the pressure of a fluid are called pressure transducers. A Transducer is a device that,
being activated by energy from the fluid system, in itself responds in a manner related to the magnitude of the applied
pressure. There are essentially two different ways of measuring the pressure at a point in a fluid whether static or in motion.

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The essential feature of a pressure transducer is the elastic element which converts the signal from the pressure source
into mechanical displacement (e.g. the Bourdon gauge). The second category has an electric element which converts the
signal into an electrical output. The popularity of electric pressure transducers is due to their adaptability to be amplified,
transmitted, controlled and stored.

The Bourdon gauge is a mechanical pressure measurement device that relies on a circular arc of elliptical cross-section
tube (the Bourdon tube) closed at one end, changing shape to a circular cross-section under the action of fluid pressure.
The resulting motion at the closed end is amplified by a gear arrangement to produce the movement of a pointer around
a scale. The scale is normally calibrated to indicate pressure readings proportional to the deflection of the pointer.

Figure 1.2 Bourdon pressure gauge

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Manometers:

The pressure is indicated by the displacement of the manometric fluid as high will be given the symbol P1 and on the
low side will be P2. By balancing the forces on each side, a relationship between pressures and manometer displacement
can be established.

A. U-tube manometer

P1 - P2 = ρ g h (1.6)

B. Well-type manometer

P1 - P2 = ρ g ( h1 + h2 )

But since h2 x d = h1 x D the equation can be rewritten as

P1 - P2 = ρ g h1 ( 1 + d / D ) (1.7)

C. Inclined tube manometer

P1 - P2 = ρ g h

L = h / sin (θ) with (θ) as the angle of the low limb with the horizontal axis.

Hence:

P1 - P2 = ρ g L sin (θ) (1.8)

Figure 1.3 Manometers

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Worked Example 1.5

A U-tube manometer is connected to a closed tank, shown below, containing oil having a density of 860 kg/m3, the
pressure of the air above the oil being 3500 Pa. If the pressure at point A in the oil is 14000 Pa and the manometer fluid
has a RD of 3, determine:

1. The depth of oil, z1

2. The differential reading, z2 on the manometer.

]
]

P

Solution:

1. At point A in the tank:

PA = ρoil g z1 + Pair
i.e. 14000 = (860 x 9.81 x z1) + 3500
z1 = 1.244 m.

2. At datum : equilibrium of pressure on both sides

PLHS = PRHS
PA + ρoil x g x z1 = ρm x g x z2
14000 + (860 x 9.81 x 0.6) = 3000 x 9.81 x z2
z2 = 0.647 m

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Applications of Pascal’s law

Two very useful devices based on Pascal’s law are hydraulic brakes and hydraulic lift shown below. The pressure applied by
the foot on the break pedal is transmitted to the brake fluid contained in the master cylinder. This pressure is transmitted
undiminished in all directions and acts through the brake pads on the wheel reducing the rotary motion to a halt. Sliding
friction between the tyres and the road surface opposes the tendency of forward motion reducing the linear momentum
to zero.

Figure 1.4 Hydraulic brakes

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By means of hydraulic lifts, vehicles are lifted high on ramps for repairs and servicing. A force F applied on the cylinder
of small area A, creates a pressure P=F/A which acts upwards on the ramp in the large cylinder of cross sectional area A’.
The upward force acting on the ramp (being equal to F’= FA’/A) is much larger than the applied force F.

Figure 1.5 Hydraulic lift

1.5 Centre of pressure & the Metacentre

Consider a submerged plane surface making an angle α when extended to a horizontal liquid surface.

2
D

To find the point at which F acts, take moments about 0

F* p = Sum of moments of forces on elementary strips

= ∫ ρ g  sin α . b . d  . 

= ρg sin α
∫ ( bd). 
2

Now
∫ ( bd).  = 2nd moment of area about line through 0 (Io)
2

Therefore,

hp
ρ.g.hc .A. = ρ.g.sinα .Io (1.9)
sin α

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Rearranging
Io
hp = sin2 α (1.10)
Ahc

Since Ic which is the 2nd moment of area about the centre of gravity, is generally known for some geometry’s, (see table
overleaf) Io can be found from the parallel axis theorem:

I o = I c + A. 2c
(1.11)

Substituting for Io in equation (1.10) and since  c = hc/sin α:

Then

2
h 
Ic +  c  .A
hp =  sin  .sin 2 α
A.hcα

Ic
hp= sin 2 α + hc
Ahc  (1.12)

Hence, hp>hc

i.e., the position of the centre of pressure is always below the centre of gravity since Ic is always positive.

Ic
The term sin 2 α is known as the metacentre, which is the distance between the centre of pressure and the centre
Ah c
of gravity.

SPECIAL CASE:

For the commonly encountered case of a vertical rectangular lamina, height d, width b, with one edge lying in the free
surface, the centre of pressure may be found as follows:

Given:

α = 90 o , sin α = 10
.
d
A = bd , h c =
2

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Then

Io = Ic + A hc2

bd 3 bd × d 2 bd 3
+ =
= 12 4 3

And

Io
hp = sin 2 α
A hc
bd 3 2 2d
= . =
3bd d 3
Other cross-sections can be treated in a similar manner as above.

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Table 1.10 Second Moment of Area for some common cross-sections

Worked Example 1.6

A dock gate 10 m wide has sea depths of 6 m and 15 m on its two sides respectively. The relative density of seawater is 1.03.

1. Calculate the resultant force acting on the gate due to the water pressure.
2. Find the position of the centre of pressure relative to the bottom of the gate.

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Solution:

 P
P

L.H.S

6
F1 = ρ g hc A = 1.03 x 1000 x 9.81 x x 6 x 10
2
= 1.819 MN

R.H.S

15
F2 = ρ g hc A = 1.03 x 1000 x 9.81 x x 15 x 10
2
= 11.37 MN

Resultant Force F = F2 - F1 = 11.37 - 1.819 = 9.55 MN acts to the left.

Only the wetted portions of the gate are relevant. Hence we have two vertical rectangles with their top edges in the free
surface. Hence, hp =
2d
3
h1 = 2 x 6/3 = 4m
h2 = 2 x 15/3 = 10 m

If y is the distance from the bottom to position of the resultant force F then taking moments anti-clockwise about the
base of the gate:-

F. y = F2 x (15 - h2) - F1 x (6 - h1)

9.55y = 11.37 (15 - 10) - 1.819 (6 - 4)

Therefore y = 5.57 m above the bottom of the gate.

Worked Example 1.7

A flat circular plate, 1.25 m diameter is immersed in water such that its greatest and least depths are 1.50 m and 0.60 m
respectively. Determine:-

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1. The force exerted on one face by the water pressure,

2. The position of the centre of pressure.

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P P D

Solution:

1
Area of laminar A = π (1.25)2 = 1.228 m2
4
1
Depth to centroid hc = (0.60 + 1.50) = 1.05 m
2
Resultant Force F = ρ g A hc = 9.81 x 1000 x 1.228 x 1.05

= 12650 N

πr 4
From table for circular plate Ic =
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The centre of pressure

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1.6 Resultant Force and Centre of Pressure on a Curved Surface in a Static Fluid
Systems involving curved submerged surfaces are analysed by considering the horizontal and vertical components of the
resultant force.

1. The vertical component of the force is due to the weight of the fluid supported and acts through the
centre of gravity of the fluid volume.
i.e. Fv = ρg Vol (1.13)

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2. The horizontal component of the force is equal to the normal force on the vertical projection of the surface.

The force acts through the centre of gravity of the vertical projection.

i.e. FH = ρg hcA(1.14)

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Curved surface = Area bounded by abcd

Vertical projection of abcd = cdef (Area A)

Fluid volume = volume bounded by abcdef

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The resultant force FR is given by:

FR = FH2 + Fv2 (1.15)

And the angle of inclination (α) to the horizontal:

tan α = Fv/FH(1.16)

Worked Example 1.8

The sluice gate shown below consists of a quadrant of a circle of radius 1.5 m. If the gate is 3m wide and has a mass of
6000 kg acting 0.6 m to the right of the pivot (e-f), calculate:-

1. Magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the gate by the water pressure,
2. The turning moment required to open the gate.

Solution:

H D
I
E
)+

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Horizontal component = Force on horizontal projected area.

FH = ρ g hc A = 1000 x 9.81 x 0.75 x (3 x 1.5) = 33.1 x 103 N

Vertical component = weight of fluid which would occupy

π
Fv = ρ g x vol of cylindrical sector = (1000 x 9.81) x (3 x x 1.52) = 52 x 103 N
4
 
Resultant force )5 )+  )Y [     [     N1

If α is the angle of inclination of R to the horizontal then

tan α = FV/FH = 52 x 103/33.1 x 103 i.e. α = 57.28o

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Since static pressure acts normal to the surface, it can be deduced that the line of action of FR passes through the centre
of curvature.

So the only force providing a moment is the weight of the gate.

Hence;

Moment = Force x distance = 6000 x 9.81 x 0.6 = 35300 Nm

1.7 Buoyancy
The buoyancy of a body immersed in a fluid is that property which will determine whether the body will sink, rise or
float. Archimedes established the analysis over 2000 years ago. Archimedes reasoned that the volume of an irregular solid
could be found by determining the apparent loss of weight when the body is totally immersed in a liquid of known density.

Archimedes principle states:-

1. “The upthrust (vertical force) experienced by a body immersed in a fluid equals the weight of the displaced fluid”
2. “A floating body displaces its own weight in the fluid in which it floats”.

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Upthrust

F = Pressure x Area

=PxA

But P = ρ.g.h

Therefore, F = ρ.g.h.A

But the volume VL= h.A

Therefore, F = ρ.g.VL(1.17)

Buoyant force can be expressed as:

F(b) = W(air) - W(liquid) = d x g x VL

where d is the density of the liquid, g is the acceleration of gravity and v is the volume of the immersed object (or the
immersed part of the body if it floats). Since W=mg, the apparent change in mass when submerged is

m - m(apparent) = d(liquid) x vL

Worked Example 1.9

A hydrogen filled balloon has a total weight force of 9.5 kN. If the tension in the mooring cable anchoring the balloon to
the ground is 15.75 kN, determine the upthrust experienced by the balloon and its volume.

Take the density of air as 1.23 kg/m3.

Solution:

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Since the system is stable: Upthrust = Weight force + Tension in cable

F =W+T

= 9.5 + 15.75

= 25.25 kN

The Upthrust is F = ρ x VL x g

Since the upthrust = the weight of displaced fluid, Therefore Balloon Volume

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Worked Example 1.10

A model boat consists of open topped rectangular metal can containing sand as a ballast. If the can has a width of 100
mm, a length of 500 mm, and a mass of 1 kg, determine the mass of sand (kg) required for the can to be immersed to a
depth of 250 mm in sea water (RD = 1.03).

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Solution:

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Displaced volume VL = W x D x L = 0.1 x 0.25 x 0.5 = 0.0125 m3

For stable condition - Upthrust = weight force or F=W

The Upthrust due to Buoyancy = ρseawater g VL

The total weight = (mcan + msand) x 9.81

Therefore: ρseawater g VL. = (mcan + msand) x 9.81

1030 x 9.81 x 0.0125 = ( 1.0 + msand) x 9.81

Solving msand = 11.87 kg

Note: The sand will need to be levelled off or the can will not float vertically and may even be unstable.

1.8 Stability of floating bodies

A body is in a stable equilibrium if it returns to its original position after being slightly displaced. Neutral position if the
object remains in the new position after being slightly displaced. A body is in an unstable equilibrium if it continues to
move in the direction of the displacement.

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Figure 1.6 Stability of floating objects

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If the Centre of Buoyancy (B) is defined as the centre of gravity of the displaced fluid then the stability of a floating object
will depend on whether a righting or overturning moment is developed when the centre of gravity (G) and the centre of
buoyancy move out of vertical alignment due to the shifting of the position of the latter. The centre of buoyancy moves
because if a floating body tips, the shape of the displaced liquid changes.

Position (a) Figure 1.7, illustrates a stable condition, where the forces of Buoyancy thrust and the weight are equal and in
line; while in Figure 1.7 (b) the body has been tipped over and the buoyancy has a new position B, with G unchanged.
The vertical through the new centre of buoyancy cuts the original line, which is still passing through G at M, a point
known as the Metacentre. In this case M lies above G, and stability exists.

If M lies below G (c), it can be shown that once the body is tipped the couple introduced will aggravate the rolling, causing
it to tip further away from its stable position. The body is said to be unstable. Therefore, for stability the metacentre must
be above the centre of gravity, i.e. M above G.

Figure 1.7 Buoyancy and the metacentre

Worked Example 1.11

A raft floating in a river, supported by two drums, each 1m in diameter and 5m long.
If the raft is to stay afloat by 0.25m clear above water. What is the maximum weight that is allowed on it?
Assume density of water 1000 kg/m3.

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Solution:

The above case can be solved by first, calculating the displaced volume, converts it into a weight, and then apply Archimedes’
principle

Fb = ρ g VL

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The angle AOC is calculated

cos(AOC) = 0.25/0.5

Hence angle AOC = 1.047 rad.

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Area of sector = OC2 x angle = 0.52 x 1.047

= 0.262 m2

Area of triangle AOC

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Area submerged = 2 (0.262 – 0.108) = 0.308 m2

Volume displaced = 0.308 x 5 = 1.54 m3

Weight = Density x Volume displaced = 1000 x 1.54 = 1540 kg

Worked Example 1.12

King Hero ordered a new crown to be made from pure gold (density = 19200 kg/m3). When he received the crown he
suspected that other metals may have been used in the construction. Archimedes discovered that the crown needed a
force of 20.91 N to suspend when submersed in water and that it displaced 3.1x10-4 m3 of water. He concluded that the
crown could not be pure gold. Do you agree or disagree?

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Solution:

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The density of pure gold (19200 kg/m3) is more than twice this, so some other metal have been used, such metal as steel.
So agreed with Archimedes

Worked Example 1.13

The hydraulic jack shown, the piston weighs 1000 N, determine the weight of the car which is supported by the jack when
the gauge reading is 1.2 bar. Assume that the jack cylinder has a diameter of 0.4 m.

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Solution:

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1.9 Tutorial problems

1.1 Show that the kinematic viscosity has the primary dimensions of L2T-1.

1.2 In a fluid the velocity measured at a distance of 75mm from the boundary is 1.125m/s. The fluid has absolute
viscosity 0.048 Pa s and relative density 0.913. What is the velocity gradient and shear stress at the boundary
assuming a linear velocity distribution? Determine its kinematic viscosity.

[Ans: 15 s-1, 0.72Pa.s; 5.257x10-5 m2/s]

1.3 A dead-weight tester is used to calibrate a pressure transducer by the use of known weights placed on a piston
hence pressurizing the hydraulic oil contained. If the diameter of the piston is 10 mm, determine the required
weight to create a pressure of 2 bars.

[Ans: 1.6 kg]

1.4 How deep can a diver descend in ocean water without damaging his watch, which will withstand an absolute
pressure of 5.5 bar?

Take the density of ocean water, = 1025 kg/m3.

[Ans: 44.75 m]

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1.5 The U-tube manometer shown below, prove that the difference in pressure is given by:

  d 2 
P1 − P2 = ρ .g .z 2 1 +   
  D  

1.6 A flat circular plate, 1.25 m diameter is immersed in sewage water (density 1200 kg/m3) such that its greatest and
least depths are 1.50 m and 0.60 m respectively. Determine the force exerted on one face by the water pressure,

[Ans: (15180 N]

1.7 A rectangular block of wood, floats with one face horizontal in a fluid (RD = 0.9). The wood’s density is 750 kg/
m3. Determine the percentage of the wood, which is not submerged.

[Ans: 17%]

1.8 An empty balloon and its equipment weight 50 kg, is inflated to a diameter of 6m, with a gas of density 0.6 kg/
m3. What is the maximum weight of cargo that can be lifted on this balloon, if air density is assumed constant
at 1.2 kg/m3?
[Ans: 17.86 kg]

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